SRSO

One out of every four high school kids today are involved in an abusive relationship, which can start as early as in the 8th grade. You should know how to recognize the signs of this problem and how to prevent it from happening to you! Warning signs are as follows: physical or verbal abuse, someone tries to have complete control over you, you are subject to verbal "put downs" or threats, someone tries to isolate you from your friends and family, you are given no respect by the controlling person, you are made to feel shame and guilt, or you are asked to focus and give all your attention to the controlling person. Among several of the recommended preventive measures are: understand what an abusive relationship entails, examine your own values and what is important to you, discuss with your parents (if a minor), and call local law enforcement at 850-983-1100 or Lakeview Center at 850-432-1222 or 850-469-3800.

The term "vodka eyeballing" involves the pouring of vodka directly onto the surface of the eye. This new trend is sweeping across the country as well as the United Kingdom. It causes a painful burning sensation and supposedly creates a faster absorption into the bloodstream. Kids believe that by pouring vodka into their into their eyes that they will be able to get drunk faster. They will pour 80-100 proof vodka directly from the bottle or out of a shot glass. However, by doing so there is a serious risk for scarring the eye tissues and the cornea that can eventually lead to blindness. Parents need to be aware of this growing trend and be prepared to speak with their children about the dangers. The human brain is not fully formed until age 25, but many people are unaware of this. Adults need to educate teens about the pitfalls of consuming alcohol. Serious health risks are involved in drinking through the eyes or mouth. Underage drinking and binge drinking (consumption of 5 or more standard drinks in one sitting) often lead teens to engage in risky behaviors and do things under the influence of alcohol that they would not have done if sober. A study released in 2010 by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 12 to 20 year-olds, who drank in the past month, consumed an average of 4.9 drinks per day on the days they drank in the past month. Alcohol is the number one drug of choice among today's youth and the fourth leading cause of death. People who begin drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until age 21. For more information, go to www.stopaddiction.com.

Instructors with the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office strive to provide as much realistic training as possible for all of their reservists. Training begins with the use of "red guns" (non-fireable) and proceeds to the use of "simunitions" (fireable projectiles). The reservists are placed in decision making situations to teach them appropriate versus non-appropriate responses. The reserve deputy program is under the direction of Sgt. Leonard Thomas, one of the agency's senior supervisors. Instructors for the program are Detective Ed Vincent and Deputy Joel Murphy. Click here for photos of the training.

Sheriff Hall, the Santa Rosa County Explorer Post, hosted a fundraising event to celebrate the completion of the new Santa Rosa County Jail expansion project. The wing is expected to start housing inmates in September 2010.The fundraising event called “Jail Break In 2010” took place the night of August 14, 2010. This event was open to all ages. All participants received a very realistic experience as to what jail was like; however they were able to experience it in a brand new facility and under much better circumstances. Participants were“booked” into the jail and searched, fingerprinted, and photographed. They were assigned a bed and instructed as to what will be expected of them. It was avery educational experience as to how things are handled inside a detention facility. The “inmates” received food when they arrived around 0500 hours. If the “inmates” weren't pleased with the food they were free to use the Explorer Post's "commissary” to purchase additional items. All “inmates” were expected to abide by the rules and regulations that were set forth. All "inmates” were also required to stay “in custody” until 0700 hours unless an emergency arises prior to their release time. Upon release, the “inmates” received their booking photograph and fingerprints as a souvenir. Over thirty (30) volunteers showed up to become inmates for the night. Ages 12 and over were welcome; however any juveniles were required to be with a parent or legal guardian. At the time of ticket purchase, the purchasers were required to provide identification information so that the Sheriff's Office can perform a preliminary screening to ensure a safe, secure and educational experience. Ticket prices were as follows: Adults- $20.00 Children under 18- $10.00 Seniors- $15.00. The Explorer Program is a non-profit chartered youth program through the Sheriff's Office and the Learning for Life Organization. The Program's purpose is to provide young men and women of the community with the opportunity to gain valuable insight into Law Enforcement. The Explorer Program is designed not only to stimulate interest in Law Enforcement as a career, but to instill within its members a genuine desire to demonstrate responsible work habits, positive attitudes towards other citizens, and practice as contributing members of society.

Sheriff Wendell Hall of the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office has initiated another in a series of "teen driving courses" to help reduce accidents caused by teenage drivers. The program is based on the startling statistics in America today whereby vehicular accidents are the number one cause of death for young adults. Because of this astounding figure the Florida Sheriff's Association met with representatives of several sheriffs' offices and high school drivers to develop a two-day curriculum called the "Teen Driver Challenge." The program has already been tested during previous pilot programs and has proven very successful. The course outline covers such topics as vehicular maintenance, vehicular dynamics, aggressive and impaired driving. A driving course will be arranged and the young drivers will be required to traverse the course in a series of practical exercises to include braking, swerving and recovering their vehicle during a controlled hydroplaning simulation. This class is managed under the direct supervision of instructors from the sheriff's office that have undergone training in Tallahassee. Sheriff Hall has previously stated, "This program has become too successful elsewhere in the state to ignore its benefit to the teens of Santa Rosa County . I have committed four instructors from my agency in hopes of reducing the number of accidents involving our children." The program is twelve (12) hours long and will be conducted on Friday night August 20, 2010 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM and all day Saturday August 21, 2010 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.The student's personal automobile will be used, during the entire course. Each student will need to be a licensed driver (no learners permit allowed), between the age of 16 -18, a Santa Rosa resident (out of county residents will be accepted if class is not full), and have all permission forms filled out and returned to the training division (or to the instructor the night of the first meeting). The forms can be obtained from Sheryl Kelley at 850-983-1234. They will also need to provide a copy of their driver license and proof of auto insurance. Each student will also need to provide their own motor vehicle and dress appropriately (no tank tops, flip-flops, “short-shorts”, etc.). On the second day of the training, each participant should bring sun screen, sunglasses, a hat (if wanted), lunch and drinks. An hour lunch will be taken around 11:30 “on your own", with class commencing an hour later. The class will be limited to the first fourteen students who apply. A minimum of ten (10) students is required to hold the class. This class is free to all students.

Sheriffs Office Employee Mrs. Tanya Doss was awarded her CPPB credentials by the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council on July 9, 2010. She is now among a "select group of procurement professionals" to be distinguished by a UPPCC certification. As stated in a letter from Director Ann Peshoff "Tanya attained this distinction by meeting high standards of proficiency in public procurement as demonstrated by substantial professional experience, purchasing related coursework and superior examination performance." Sheriff Wendall Hall and the agency staff wish to congratulate Ms. Doss on this excellent achievement.

On August 12, 2010 the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office passed its third reaccreditation assessment in six years. The first was conducted in 2004 and then again in 2007, in spite of the damage inflicted on the agency by Hurricane Ivan and Dennis. Both the detention facility and the law enforcement divisions of the agency passed with flying colors and in record time. The assessment process requires a team of independent inspectors to review the agency's policies and procedures to determine if they are meeting national and state standards. Personnel are interviewed, policy manuals scrutinized, and proof of compliance recorded on every one of the hundreds of standards required. A recommendation for reaccreditation will be made at the state convention later on this year. Sheriff Wendall Hall would like to thank each and every one of his staff for an exceptional job meeting the national standards for all law enforcement and detention agencyies.

Inmate Phone System

Family members and friends will have to establish an account with Inmate Telephone, Inc. (ITI) if you wish to accept inmate phone calls from this facility. Click on the link here to set up an account.

Click here for additional Information pertaining to the new Inmate Phone System.

New 2010 Florida Statutes

The new 2010 Florida statutes have been released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. If you wish to review the statutory summaries of the new laws please click here.

Law Enforcement Memorial Service

The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office conducted their annual Law Enforcement Memoir al Service on Wednesday May 12, 2010 at 9:00 AM on the front lawn of the main building at 5755 East Milton Road, Milton. The memorial service was to honor all law enforcement officers that have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty for their country and the citizens they serve. For photo of service click here.

Three Deputies Honored for their Contributions

Three deputies of the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office were honored today by Sheriff Wendell Hall and the Florida Sheriff's Association for their donations to the Florida Boys Ranch. Each of the three deputies have had money deducted from their paychecks for the last sixteen years and graciously forwarded to the Boys Ranch organization. Ms. Lana Pate, Donor Relations Officer for the FSA, presented Lt. Todd Smith, Cpl. Donnie Wigen, and Captain Jeff Floyd with a memento of their appreciation for their selfless contribution. For photos click here.

Summer Scam Alert

Beware of a phone call or a knock at the door with a sales pitch similar to, “We are in your area and we are giving “free” inspections on your air conditioning unit”, or “according to your warranty it is time for the annual inspection of your roof.” Some homeowners, many who live in manufactured homes, have been contacted by “alleged” roofing repair companies, in various parts of the state. The scammers who contacted them made an attempt to convince their unsuspecting victims that they are the original company who placed the roof on the victim's residence, and in order to maintain the homeowners' warranty, they must inspect it immediately. Once the inspection is complete, the con-artist submits an estimate to the homeowner for thousands of dollars of unnecessary repair work. The Sheriff's Office recommends that you always check with the company who issued the original warranty to determine what costs are covered, whether or not a yearly inspection is required and who to contact for inspections and repairs, before you agree to any additional inspection.In addition, with summer fast approaching, residents should be wary of “contractors” who happen to be in your neighborhood offering “free” air conditioning inspections, bargains or immediate service. These “free” inspections can end up costing the homeowner thousands of dollars due to inflated prices, sloppy workmanship that requires correction, and/or a voided warranty.The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office advises consumers to thoroughly check out contractors by doing the following:

Get at least three bids before choosing your service company.
Don't do business with an unlicensed contractor.
Get a reliability report from the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org .
Insist on a written contract detailing the work to be done.

For further information call the Crime Prevention Unit at (850) 983-1236

Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4.Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows (probably not in Santa Rosa County) while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather..

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets..

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book “Burglars on the Job”.

Threat Detection & Reaction for Retail and Shopping Center Staff

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has developed a Threat Awareness & Detection training instrument designed to raise the level of awareness for retail and shopping center employees. This training tool provides information to help identify and report unusual activities and threats in a timely manner. It was developed in public-private partnership with DHS's Office of Infrastructure Protection's Office for Bombing Prevention and the Commercial Facilities Sector. It may be used by Point-of-Sale staff or any employees of a shopping center, mall, or retail facility. It uses case studies and best practices to explain suspicious behavior and items, how to reduce the vulnerability of an active shooter threat to a soft target, and the appropriate actions to take if employees notice suspicious activity. It instructs you on Recognizing, Reporting, and Reacting to a threat. Please view this at https://connect.hsin.gov/p21849699/ The presentation consists of a 20 minute narrated video. If you have a problem connecting to this, just close the application and re-launch as necessary. This presentation will be good for individuals singly at ones work space or can be played for large groups. Remember, building awareness is the most important action in protecting the Homeland.

Sheriff Hall is Man of the Year

Sheriff Wendell Hall was recognized as the Man of the Year for Santa Rosa County during the 73rd Annual Leadership Awards and Installation Banquet at Whiting Field on January 30, 2010. Sheriff Hall's excellent work with the Santa Rosa Kid's House and other extremely worthwhile endeavors for the community has placed him in a position of honor among his contemporaries in Northwest Florida. In making the presentation Joshua Hurst of the Chamber of Commerce stated, "His leadership and dedication was the driving force in creating the Santa Rosa Kids House where he continues to serve as the Chairman today. He was one of the founding members of the Emerald Coast Honor Flight Initiative, and through his efforts raised thousands of dollars for their support. In addition, he participated as a guardian to ensure the well being of three of America's greatest generation on their trip to Washington, D.C. In addition to helping raise funds for construction of the Veteran's Memorial Plaza, Sheriff Hall still fires up the grill for the Navy League Annual Boston Butt Fundraiser to raise money for the Navy Leagues education scholarship and to support the Sea Cadets. In support and recognition of our areas industry he also demonstrates his culinary diversity during the Industry Appreciation Month Fish Fry. A graduate of Leadership Santa Rosa Class #16, Sheriff Hall continues to support the program each year by taking participants through the firing range and K-9 demonstration. Not only does he take his law enforcement responsibilities seriously, he is also committed to the development of our youth through various support programs to ensure good future citizens." Congratulations to Sheriff Hall on this outstanding achievement. For a photo of the award click here.

SAR Group Honors Sheriff

Nancy Locke of SWPANSAR (Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue) presented a Certificate of Appreciation on January 21, 2010 to Sheriff Wendell Hall of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office for his support of their team. The Sheriff's Office donated a boat, motor and trailer for their training use. The boat will be critical for training Human Remains Detection K9's on the water. The impact of the donation will go beyond their use as it will also allow them to participate in the development and testing of national standards for HRD Water testing. The department also donated radios, which are greatly needed, and bullet resistant vests to add to their safety equipment. For photos of the presentation please click here.

A SAFER Santa Rosa

The SAFER organization (Support Alliance for Emergency Readiness) is a humanitarian association of independent groups who may be active in all phases of a disaster. Its mission is to foster efficient, streamlined service delivery to people affected by disasters, while eliminating unnecessary duplication of effort, through cooperation in the four phases of disaster: preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation. During periods when there are no disasters to deal with, SAFER attempts to meet the needs of the less fortunate in the community. This may range from providing cold weather shelters, WWII honor flight, homeless veterans, food distributions, etc. For more information on this worthwhile organization please click here.

Internet Sexting

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, frequently between cell phones. It is a current trend among teens. According to a 2008 survey commissioned by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 22% of teenage girls and 18% of teenage boys have taken nude or semi-nude photos of themselves and sent them to someone or posted them online. For the consequences of "sexting" please click here.

Fraud Alert: Suspended Bank Account

Beware of a new scam concerning your bank account. Click here for information on this new bank notification sent to you by criminals.

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)

If you click here you will be able to view the new handbook published by the Students Working Against Tobacco Foundation. The group is dedicated to reducing the frequency of underage use of tobacco products and the health problems that incur because of it.

Fraud Alert: Jury Scam

Most of us take a summons for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen. The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and Colorado. This swindle is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud. Check it out here:

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm .

Fraud Alert: Job Hunters Beware

One of the more recents scams by criminals is being directed against those seeking employment. To learn more information please click here for a warning from the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office and the Better Business Bureau.

Florida's New Identification Cards

The following information is taken from the Florida DHSMV website and states that, "Florida is leading the nation in an effort to provide our residents with an even more secure identification document. As an esteemed partner, we want to be certain you're the first to know about the upcoming Gather. Go. Get campaign aimed at helping Florida residents prepare for new card requirements. Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, Floridians renewing or obtaining a new driver license/identification card will be required to show proof of (1) identification (2) Social Security number and (3) two items containing your residential address. While some may have no problem putting their fingers on these documents, it might mean some additional preparation for others. To help residents navigate through these new requirements, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is launching a communication initiative encouraging Floridians to gather your documents, go to a driver license office and get your new card. The “Gather. Go. Get” campaign was originially launched to the general public August 2009. For more information go to www.gathergoget.com or click here.

The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office will hold another firearm safety class for the citizens of Santa Rosa County to familiarize them with the Florida Statutes as well as the safe operation of their handguns. Deputy Alvin Bicasan will teach the class at the Sheriff's Office Firearms Range. Successful completion of this course can be used when applying for a "concealed weapons permit". Each participant will need to bring their own handgun and no more than fifty (50) rounds of ammunition. The four hour course consists of classroom instruction and actual firing on the range. No firearms are allowed in the classroom unless directed by the instructor. An application is required for registration plus a background record check on all participants. The next scheduled class will be held on April 19 and 20, 2010 (now FULL) (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) with another set for July 19 and 20, 2010 (now FULL) and October 16, 2010 (8-12 pm)(now FULL). All participants MUST be at least 18 years of age. All citizens interested should download an application by clicking on the link: Citizen Firearms Training. Mail the application to: Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, Training Division, 5755 E. Milton Rd., Milton, FL 32583.This class is offered to the citizens of Santa Rosa County by Sheriff Hall at no costs.

In compliance with H.R. Bill 218, Sheriff Wendell Hall is extending an invitation to all area law enforcement officers to meet their requirement on the sheriff's office range. Bill 218 was passed stating retired law enforcement officers may carry a handgun without a permit by meeting certain standards. The Criminal Justice Standard and Training Commission of the State of Florida states that retirees must have a picture ID from the agency from which they retired. The ID card must state their retired status. The new law only applies to law enforcement officers that had statutory arrest powers. A "Firearm Proficiency Verification Card" in combination with their retired law enforcement ID card will allow them to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Firearm qualification will follow on October 19, 2009. As the participants arrive at the range, their handgun must be secured in a holster or some type of case that can be carried by hand. The handgun is not to be carried "out in the open." The qualification course will consist of forty (40) rounds. To pass, the participant must demonstrate proficiency of at least 80% (32 of 40 rounds in the scoring area). Bring the appropriate amount of ammunition as the proficiency requirement is to be demonstrated once. During the qualification, the participant's handgun must be in a holster that they can wear on their body and draw from. If the participant is shooting a semi-auto pistol, they need at least two (2) magazines capable of holding at least six (6) rounds each. At least one speed loader is required if a revolver will be used. Due to limited space, reservations are required. You must make your reservation in person at the Sheriff's Office with the training division and bring your agency ID. At that time a copy will be made of your ID and an affidavit of retired status will need to be signed. If you have any questions please call the Training Division at 983-1234. If you have taken this course from us before we probably already have your paperwork so just call 983-1234 and talk with Sheryl. Additonal dates have been set for April 19, 2010 (8 am), July 19, 2010 (8 am), and October 18, 2010 (8 am).

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has added an option to their D.A.V.I.D. (Driver and Vehicle Information Database) system so that Florida drivers can add emergency contact information to their database. The purpose of the program is so that the families of drivers involved in accidents can be contacted quickly and notified of the whereabouts of their loved ones. Any driver can input their emergency contact information by logging on to the following website and entering the required information: